Best Hearty Italian Sausage Bake (Print-Friendly Version)
Sausage, pasta, and cheese blend for a satisfying Italian-inspired dish with vibrant marinara and fresh herbs.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ Base
01 -
225 g whole wheat penne or other short pasta
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
02 -
1 teaspoon olive oil
03 -
1 small yellow onion, diced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 bell pepper, chopped
→ Protein
06 -
340 g chicken Italian sausage, sliced (pre-cooked or raw)
→ Sauce and Seasoning
07 -
480 ml sugar-free marinara sauce
08 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 -
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Cheese and Garnish
10 -
60 g part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
11 -
25 g grated Parmesan cheese
12 -
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
# How to Prepare:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add sliced Italian sausage and cook until lightly browned if raw, or until heated through if pre-cooked.
03 -
Preheat oven to 190°C. In a large mixing bowl or directly in a 33 x 23 cm baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sausage and vegetable mixture, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix until evenly distributed.
04 -
Transfer mixture to a greased 33 x 23 cm baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the surface. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cheese is golden and the dish is bubbling.
05 -
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Use lean chicken or turkey sausage to reduce saturated fat while maintaining bold flavour.
02 -
Whole wheat pasta increases the fibre content and nutrient density of the dish.
03 -
Additional vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition without overpowering the main flavours.
04 -
For convenience, the assembled bake can be made ahead, refrigerated, and baked with an extra 5–10 minutes if cold.